When grappling with emotional challenges, merely discussing or pondering over our feelings often doesn't bring clarity. This limitation arises from the inherent patterns in our brain's functioning. Mindfulness psychotherapy offers an approach that goes beyond talk, focusing on reshaping our brain's responses.
Mindfulness allows us to deeply connect with the present moment. By doing so, we can recognize and differentiate the core components of our experiences: our thoughts, emotions, the inputs from our five senses, our bodily movements, and other physical sensations. This skill not only aids in better managing emotions but also fosters clearer thinking and enhanced interpersonal relationships. Essentially, mindfulness acts as a compass, guiding us through the intricate maze of our emotions and thoughts.
Discovering and naming the building blocks of the present moment can often be morebeneficial than “talking about” it. It allows us to play with our experience and arrange it in amore pleasant way. The five building blocks of present moment experience are:
When we play with the focus of our attention, we create new patterns of neural firing that rewire the brain. Previously separated areas become linked and the brain becomes more integrated.
Remember: the goal of psychotherapy is to change how your brain functions rather than just teach you something new. This is possible thanks to the neuro-plasticity of the brain that remains throughout life.
Since our brains are plastic, new learning and the practice of new actions and thoughts change our brains and transform outdated patterns. We create new experiences by directing mindful attention to building blocks that we previously did not even notice.
You learn the difference between avoiding distress and mastery over it. It's not helpful to struggle with the stress; we want to change its building blocks with the use of mindful awareness.
Mindfulness psychotherapy is not a quick fix. The brain needs time to change, and it does so in increments. The same neurons have to fire over and over again to create reliable new neural pathways that will transform how you think, feel, response, and relate.
